ATHOL — Voters will be asked on Monday to approve a new operating budget more than 8 percent higher than the current one.
The proposed budget for the next fiscal year is $18,942,316, with $4,326,570 for education.
The annual town meeting is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the Athol Memorial Building at 584 Main St. A special town meeting, to act on articles pertaining to the current fiscal year, is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.
Town Manager Shaun A. Suhoski explained the proposed operating budget increase is not as daunting as it appears. He said the biggest expenses are voter-approved debt service payments of roughly $720,000 and the nearly $300,000 in increases to town employee health insurance and pensions. Suhoski said all other line items have increased just 2.51 percent from the current year, which ends June 30.
He also pointed out several aspects of the proposed budget he feels are beneficial. He said it includes a school resource officer made possible through a cost-sharing arrangement with the Athol-Royalston Regional School District.
Suhoski also said it includes a one-time obligation of more than $50,000 to a retiree.
He explained the proposed 57.71 percent in Conservation Commission spending reflects the retirement of Elwin Bacon, who has served as a constable earning a $1,800 annual stipend. Suhoski said Bacon will be replaced by two people splitting a $5,000 stipend. Elections and registrations costs are up 49.07 percent (from $21,294 to $31,744) in anticipation of the November presidential election.
Suhoski said the town will recommend voters take no action on the second of three articles on the special town meeting warrant.
The third article asks voters to transfer $31,935 from the accident recovery account to the stabilization fund. Suhoski explained a brand-new Athol Police Department cruiser was totaled in a rear-end accident a few months ago and the town quickly dipped into its reserve fund to replace it. The town manager said the money recommended for the stabilization fund is coverage from town’s insurance policy.
You can reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 258. On Twitter: @DomenicPoli